Caffeine attenuates liver damage and improves neurologic signs in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy

Abstract

Introduction and aims: Cirrhosis is the common outcome of liver diseases. It can be decompensated and lead to the development of complications, such as encephalopathy. Hyperammonemia that develops due to liver dysfunction is etiopathologically related to hepatic encephalopathy. Caffeine increases the activity of the urea cycle in the liver, augmenting ammonia degradation. By antagonizing adenosine receptors, it also has a hepatoprotective effect, impeding the formation of fibrosis, as well as having a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. The present study analyzed the effects of caffeine on the progression of cholestatic liver fibrosis and hepatic encephalopathy.

Materials and methods: An experimental model of cholestatic liver fibrosis, through common bile duct ligature, and of hepatic encephalopathy, through the administration of a high-protein diet, was constructed. Male Wistar rats (n=32) were equally divided into 4 groups. The experiment lasted 28 days, with the administration of 50mg/kg/day of caffeine. Laboratory tests, histologic analyses of the liver and encephalon, open field tests (OFTs), and daily behavioral analyses were carried out.

Results: The ligated animals treated with caffeine had lower mean transaminase levels and improved histologic aspects of the liver and encephalon. The untreated ligated animals were clearly lethargic and apathetic at the last week of the experiment, confirmed by reduced exploratory activity during the OFT.

Conclusion: Caffeine improved the microarchitecture of the liver and encephalon of the cirrhotic animals and prevented the decrease in exploratory behavior of the animals during the OFT.

Keywords: Cafeína; Caffeine; Chronic liver disease; Cirrhosis; Cirrosis; Efecto hepatoprotector; Encefalopatía hepática; Enfermedad hepática crónica; Hepatic encephalopathy; Hepatoprotective effect.